use a M12-1.25 thread chaser if you haven't already got it done. Thread chaser doesn't cut threads, but it does a good job of cleaning up existing threads. I have used taps quite often in the past and on several occasions, they'll cut a new thread before it catches an existing thread and then the spindle is ruined. One could put a helicoil in them but no more than they cost, just as easy to replace the spindle shaft. The spindles are really sloppy tolerances on these mowers. On mine I have had to shim the bearings a little bit to put some "end play" in the shaft. Reason being, once you tighten up the nut, it pulls the bearings together too far, since the spindle housing was machined too shallow and the spacer too short. Just one of many things I have had to nitpick on them, BUT, it made a big difference as far as the bearings lasting more than 40-50 hours. I'm at over 300 on this set and no signs of getting loose or noisy (yet).